Colorado triathlete Ben Hoffman, just one week removed from the grueling Ironman World Championship in Kona, will jump into XTERRA Worlds for the first time on November 1.

“I have always wanted to test myself against the best in the XTERRA World at the Maui Championship event,” said Hoffman. “I have raced XTERRA for many years, but never toed the line at the biggest stage. The vibe is always great at these events, and you can’t go wrong with a race in Hawaii!”

Hoffman, who placed 2nd in Kona two years ago, finished in 36th this year.

“I am still a little disappointed with the Kona result, as it was my main focus for the season, but the body is recovering well and the mind is coming around too. Since I didn’t push as hard as I wanted in the back half of the marathon in Kona due to some GI issues, I really think I should be able to get back and fresh for this one. I know I am fit right now, and well-acclimated to the heat. I am looking forward to a little shorter effort and different challenge. For sure, I will be ready for battle in Maui!”

Hoffman has been a staple on the podium at the XTERRA Mountain Championship in Colorado through the years, and says those experiences should serve him well in Maui.

“Racing at the XTERRA at Beaver Creek Resort has given me confidence that I can compete with some of the best guys in the sport on a tough course. Although the conditions are very different, BC is a brutal course in its own right, and the competition over the years has included some of the top finishers in Maui over the years. Hopefully I can get in the mix and do something special.”

Hoffman is the only elite registered for the Outrigger Resorts Double competition, which means the $2,500 bonus for having the fastest combined 2015 XTERRA World Championship and Ironman Hawaii Championship time is all his so long as he finishes.

The 6-night stays at an Outrigger Resort on Maui awarded to the amateur double winners are still up for grabs. Last year’s women’s double champ Nicole Valentine from Maryland looks poised to repeat, while Jorg Schneider from Germany enters Maui with a little more than two-minute cushion over Arnaud Bouvier from France. Here’s a look at the tentative list of Doublers and their Ironman times…

First Hometown Division IM Time Ben Hoffman Grand Junction, CO Pro 9:05:22 Jorg Schneider Altenriet, Germany M 45-49 10:08:11 Arnaud Bouvier Digne les Bains, France M 45-49 10:10:35 Nicole Valentine Germantown, MD F 30-34 10:25:49 Bruno Glaser Brestanica, Slovenia M 45-49 10:52:22 Mike Johnston Wanaka, New Zealand M 45-49 10:56:31 Peter Buehlow Bright, Canada M 55-59 11:15:21 Uta Knape Ludwigshafen, Germany F 40-44 11:36:17 Megan Arthur Hamilton, New Zealand F 40-44 11:43:22 Janie White Paradise Valley, AZ F 55-59 11:49:45 Marina Klemm Berlin, Germany F 40-44 13:04:35 Sunny Garcia Maili, HI M 45-49 13:46:10 Rob Kronkhyte Tahoe City, CA M 55-59 14:27:48 Richard Byyny Denver, CO M 40-44 15:48:52

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